Sochi

A series of doping scandals involving Russian athletes has led to calls for an outright ban against the entire Russian Olympic squad. Now Russian athletes are waiting to find out whether they're going to have to sit this one out.

Vladimir Putin's press secretary just got married in the Russian resort, Sochi. And some opposition activists noticed one of the wedding photos showed him wearing a very expensive watch, estimated at more than $600,000. And it's not the first time that a Russian authority has gotten into some trouble for an expensive timepiece.

It's somewhat surprising that Russians are turning out in such numbers to see the Paralympics in Sochi. Even five years ago, that probably wouldn't have been the case, a disability rights advocate says. Russia's disabled have to be "everyday paralympians" just to get around.

Russia paid dearly to stage a world-class Olympics — $50 billion — and remake its image as a modern, efficient and friendly nation. But its Olympic success is quickly being forgotten and tarnished by Russia's moves in Ukraine.

Abkhazia remains in limbo. It became a de facto independent state from Georgia, which claims the territory, back in the 1990s. But just a handful of states — Russia, its largest benefactor, and about four others — recognize it as independent. And even though the most recent Olympics were in Russia, it wasn't invited to the party.

Russia is projecting a new image at these Olympics: a helpful, welcoming Russia. Suddenly police are friendlier, politicians meet with activists, people are recycling. It's a version of Russia a lot of people would like to have, but it may not last beyond the games.

The worries about unfinished hotels and possible terrorism at the Olympics have receded as people the world over have become enthralled with the athletes and the competition. But when the games wrap up, Sochi residents are wondering if their city's big projects will get completed.

Slovenia's Tina Maze comes from a hardscrabble mining town that has turned out a half-dozen Olympians. Tuesday Maze managed to capture her second gold at Sochi, in giant slalom. Last in the race: a virtuoso violinist competing for Thailand.

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Fifty miles. That's about the distance separating the United States and Russia. And it's the answer to today's Geo Quiz. The World's David Leveille takes a look at an old proposal to link Siberia and mainland Alaska by tunnel.

The 30-year-old former National Security Agency contractor, Edward Snowden has been granted a permit to live in Russia for up to a year while he determines his next move. Snowden immediately left the transit area of a Moscow airport, where he has been stuck since May.

The activist and actor George Takei is a vocal proponent of LGBT rights. He's backing a petition that would seek to move the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia, to Vancouver, Canada. Anchor Aaron Schachter speaks with him about the petition.

Despite the controversy over Russia's anti-gay propaganda ban ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics, there's no evidence of it at the Track and Field World Championships being held in Moscow. Host Marco Werman talks with Nicole Nazzaro.

Coke has sponsored the Olympic Games for more than 80 years. Now, gay rights activists are pressuring the company to speak out against Russia's law prohibiting "gay propaganda," ahead of the winter games in Sochi.

Bitcoins have soared in value in recent weeks, touching $1000 per bitcoin earlier this week. They've become so popular some traditional businesses are accepting them for payment — but not everyone has embraced them.

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